Rise and Fall: Civilizations at War Heaven

News Archives - August 2006

Post Your Screenshots

Posted on 8/28/2006 at 6:03 AM by Wok

Dr Grip has started a thread in our General Discussion Forum inviting you to post your best screenshots from Rise and Fall. Due to the graphical power and colourful nature of the game, it is possible to make some really inventive and impressive screenshots. A load of people have contributed already, so if you've taken some worthy shots, feel free to add to the thread!

New Review

Posted on 8/14/2006 at 12:40 PM by Wok

Another day, another review. This latest one comes from eToychest (not a site I'm familiar with). It's a thoroughly negative review, with the game being given only a 60% score.

In my opinion, it's not an impressive review (I was particularly miffed at the reviewer's complaints that there were hero-mode-only scenarios), but you might think differently. Let us know.

Download Highlight

Posted on 8/13/2006 at 8:15 AM by Wok

Dr Grip has recently submitted a new multiplayer scenario to our Download Section.

King of the Hill is a 2-player map which features a large stronghold on a hill in its centre. The players can win either by obliterating the enemy as usual, or by capturing all three of the outposts on the central hill. This makes for a fast paced and frantic scenario as both players struggle for dominance in a small area.

The most striking feature of the scenario, though, is the well designed map. The author is clearly talented in this regard, and the scenario serves as a showcase of just how much impact a good design can have on the authenticity of a scenario.

The Assembly has Spoken...

Posted on 8/10/2006 at 6:48 AM by Wok

Last week we asked you the question: What do you think of Rise and Fall's multiplayer?. The results of this poll were very spread out, with no answer gaining much more of the vote than the others. People obviously have mixed views on Rise and Fall's multiplayer, and apparently a large number of people haven't played multiplayer at all yet.

This week, we want your opinions about a feature we may soon be running at RaFH: Would you be interested in participating in a RaFH forum party?

New Review

Posted on 8/9/2006 at 2:39 PM by Wok

There is a new review of Rise and Fall on New Zealand based website Gameplanet. The game is given a score of 3.5/5 and the reviewer seems generally positive. It's a little different to most of the reviews we have seen so far, and instead of focusing on hero mode and naval combat as if they were the game's only two features, it touches on graphics, historical realism and sound as three of the main positives.

Rise and Fall: Civilizations at War doesn't try to change what works well but at the same time, offers realistic yet subtle alternatives to some of the more familiar RTS game features. Familiarity can work, especially when some aspects of the game are done exceptionally well. Rise and Fall Civilizations at War balances the old with the new and will give all RTS fans something to be excited about.

Winnie the Pirate, by KWC_King_Jared, takes a more light-hearted approach to a Rise and Fall scenario than one might be used to. A historically accurate or detailed story is clearly not the focus here, the designer instead opting for pure fun on an inventive map. You take the role of "Winnie the Pirate" (who also happens to be a Minotaur!), as you take revenge on all those who oppose you. As that includes a whole lot of people (and some 20 foot high elephants!), this is a challenging scenario. For those that like their Rise and Fall with a dose of carnage, this scenario is definitely worth looking into!

Download BBCode

Posted on 8/9/2006 at 4:26 AM by Wok

You might remember a little while back, with the upgrade of our Download Section, that I stated it was now possible to format your file descriptions with BBCode.

However, as the following redface smilie shows (), I am ashamed to say I actually forgot to enable the BBCode option. Not to worry, though, as it is now enabled. You can now format your file descriptions however you please!

Go here for a full BBCode reference (you can also use BBCode on our forum).

ELSPA Chart

Posted on 8/8/2006 at 6:41 AM by Wok

It may have gone down a place, but Rise and Fall still fits snugly into this week's ELSPA game charts. Us Brits know a good game when we see one ;) (Okay, ignore the Sims...)

Alexander by Irish_PXzyan serves as a showcase of the possibilities of hero-mode only scenarios in Rise and Fall. You take the role of Alexander, and must guide your army to defeat the Persian king. It's very fun and, whilst by no means perfect, shows that some designers are already getting to grips with the scenario editor and unleashing some of its potential.

Star of Glory by _o0XxX0o_ is without a doubt the most innovative multiplayer scenario posted yet. It takes place on a fortified map, in which everything must be paid for in glory - wood and gold are totally eliminated. This allows for a totally new gameplay experience, and should provide great fun for anybody looking for something a bit different from a Rise and Fall scenario. It has a professional look to it and I'd definitely recommend it.

Be sure to visit our Download Section regularly to keep up with the latest and greatest Rise and Fall scenarios.

More Reviews

Posted on 8/6/2006 at 4:32 PM by Wok

Two new online reviews of Rise and Fall have surfaced this week; one good and one not so good.

This further follows the trend of Rise and Fall's mixed reviews. The main criticisms of the game have been bugs and a lack of optimisation, but the reviewers that have seen past this have found a great, unique and truly fun game.

What do you think? Let us know on our forum.

The Assembly has Spoken...

Posted on 8/4/2006 at 5:52 AM by Wok

Two weeks ago we asked you the question: Which do you think is the best civilization overall?. I was quite surprised by the results of this poll, in which I expected Rome to come out on top (although I was always quite fond of Greece and its Fire Raisers).

Here are the final results:

Egypt (9%)Greece (35%)Persia (12%)Rome (30%)They are all equal (13%)

This week, we're asking about your online experiences: What do you think of Rise and Fall's multiplayer?

This question includes all aspects of multiplayer: the multiplayer interface, the Gamsespy ladder, the automatch system, the online community, and the actual multiplayer games themselves.

ELSPA Charts

Posted on 8/1/2006 at 8:16 AM by Wok

Rise and Fall is still selling well in the UK, as shown by this week's ELSPA PC Game Chart.